asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that there are some small breaches in the embankment of the River Finn which have caused flooding of arable land; that these have been inspected, and that farm drainage grants are held up in the area pending a grant to repair the breaches, and whether there is any possibility of something being done immediately in view of the minor character of the work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of Donegal River Embankment.
Applications have been made in recent months for a grant under minor employment schemes for the repair of breaches in the River Finn embankment. On investigation it was found that the type of work involved is outside the scope of minor employment schemes. There are no other funds available from which a grant might be sanctioned for the work.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that about 100 acres of arable land are affected? In the event of the 37½ per cent. tillage, prescribed to be done under the Tillage Order, being damaged by floods, will the Parliamentary Secretary say if the State will bear the cost?
We have no legal responsibility, nor have we any funds out of which work of this kind could be undertaken. The Deputy is asking for a grant from the Minor Employment Schemes Vote. I am informed that this is work of a highly specialised character, and that, in fact, we could not undertake it.